Stereochemical aspects of the controlled ring‐opening polymerization of chiral cyclic esters

The stereochemical aspects of controlled polymerization of lactide and β‐butyrolactone are discussed. The physicochemical and thermal properties of these polymers are shown to be depending on the stereochemical structure of the macromolecular chain. Different types of processes involving change of enantiomeric composition in the course of the polymerization reaction are examined in function of different initiators used. The formation of stereocomplexes from stereocopolymers of various enantiomeric compositions is reported.